Best Medicare Supplement Plans for Seniors
Best Medicare Supplement Plans for Seniors
Medicare alone leaves gaps. The best Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans for seniors help cover deductibles, copays, and coinsurance so hospital or doctor bills don’t wreck your budget. As an independent brokerage with 100+ top-rated carriers, Diversified Insurance Brokers compares Plan G, Plan N, and other Medigap options to match your health needs and budget.
Compare Medicare Supplement Plan Costs
Run a quick comparison, then review personalized recommendations with a licensed advisor.
Prefer to talk? Call our Medicare team at 800-533-5969
Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans for Seniors
Top Medigap options for predictable healthcare costs
- Plan G (most comprehensive for new enrollees): Covers all Part A and Part B cost-sharing except the Part B deductible. Simple and predictable.
- Plan N (value option): Lower premium than G, with small office/ER copays and no coverage for Part B excess charges in most states.
- High-Deductible Plan G (budget premium): Much lower monthly cost in exchange for a calendar-year deductible before benefits kick in.
- Plan F (legacy only): Available if you were Medicare-eligible before 2020; covers everything including the Part B deductible.
Plan G vs Plan N: Which Medicare Supplement plan is best?
Compare benefits, premiums, copays, and excess charges
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N | High-Deductible G |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly premium | Higher | Lower | Lowest |
| Part A coinsurance & hospital costs | Covers | Covers | Covers after deductible |
| Part B coinsurance | Covers | Covers (with small copays) | Covers after deductible |
| Part B deductible | Not covered | Not covered | Not covered (applies to deductible) |
| Part B excess charges | Covers | Not covered (often rare) | Covers after deductible |
| Foreign travel emergency (limited) | Included | Included | Included after deductible |
| Best for | Predictable bills | Lower premiums | Catastrophic protection |
Want a side-by-side with your age and ZIP? Use our Medicare plan cost calculator to estimate premiums and out-of-pocket exposure.
How to Compare Medicare Supplement Quotes
Rating methods, household discounts, and carrier stability
- Pricing method: Attained-age (rises with age), issue-age (based on age at purchase), or community-rated (same for all ages). We’ll identify which method likely keeps your lifetime cost lower.
- Household & autopay discounts: Many carriers offer 5–12% reductions for qualifying households and EFT/ACH. Small details matter.
- Carrier history & rate stability: Look at multi-year rate actions in your state and the carrier’s financial strength.
- Network access: Medigap works with Original Medicare—see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide.
- Prescription coverage: Add a standalone Part D plan; Medigap plans do not include drugs.
We compare carriers from our 100+ company network and tailor recommendations. Start at our Medicare services overview or run the Medicare plan cost calculator.
Medigap Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue Windows
Open Enrollment and state-specific protections
- Medigap Open Enrollment: Your six-month window starts when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B. This is usually the best time to buy—no health questions or denials.
- Guaranteed Issue rights: Certain events (e.g., losing certain coverage) may trigger guaranteed issue in many states. Outside protected windows, health underwriting may apply.
- Timing with retirement: Coordinate with employer coverage, Part B start, and Part D to avoid gaps or penalties. We’ll help you time everything correctly.
If you’re still working, coordinate Medicare with employer benefits and Social Security. See our Social Security planning services for broader retirement timing strategies.
Switching Medicare Supplement Carriers or Plan Letters
Underwriting, trial rights, and practical switching checklists
- Underwriting risk: Outside guaranteed windows, carriers typically review health. We’ll pre-screen to avoid declines.
- Trial rights (limited): Some situations allow a switch from Medicare Advantage back to a Medigap plan without underwriting—rules vary by state.
- Smart sequencing: Secure acceptance with the new carrier before cancelling existing coverage to avoid gaps.
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
Network rules, referrals, and total cost trade-offs
Medigap pairs with Original Medicare and keeps nationwide access to providers who accept Medicare—no referrals, no local network limits. Medicare Advantage plans can lower premiums and include extras (dental/vision/gym) but use managed care rules, networks, and authorizations. We’ll compare your total expected cost—premiums plus copays—so you can decide with confidence.
Get Unbiased Medicare Supplement Guidance
We’ll compare carriers, explain Plan G vs Plan N trade-offs, and map your best enrollment window.
Questions now? Call 800-533-5969
FAQs: Best Medicare Supplement Plans for Seniors
What is the best Medicare Supplement plan for seniors?
There’s no single “best” plan for everyone. Plan G is often the most comprehensive for new enrollees, while Plan N trades small copays for a lower premium. Your health usage, budget, and state rules determine the best fit.
How does Plan G compare to Plan N?
Plan G covers nearly all Medicare cost-sharing except the Part B deductible and includes Part B excess charges. Plan N usually has lower premiums but adds small doctor/ER copays and doesn’t cover excess charges in states where they’re allowed.
When is the best time to enroll in a Medigap plan?
Your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment starts when you’re 65+ and enrolled in Part B. During this window, you generally can’t be denied or rated up for health conditions.
Can I switch Medicare Supplement plans later?
Often yes, but outside protected windows you may face health underwriting. Some states offer additional switching rights. It’s smart to secure approval with the new carrier before cancelling your current plan.
Do Medigap plans include prescription drug coverage?
No. Medigap doesn’t cover prescriptions. Pair your Medigap plan with a standalone Medicare Part D plan to cover medications.
Do Medicare Supplement plans use provider networks?
No networks. With Medigap, you can see any doctor or hospital nationwide that accepts Medicare—no referrals required.
Will my Medigap premiums increase over time?
They can. Premium trends depend on the carrier and pricing method (attained-age, issue-age, or community-rated), plus inflation and state factors. Comparing carriers’ long-term rate history helps manage future costs.
Are pre-existing conditions covered?
If you enroll during your Medigap Open Enrollment, coverage is typically issued without health questions. Outside that window, underwriting may apply and some situations can involve a brief pre-existing condition waiting period if you had a coverage gap.
Is Plan F still available?
Plan F (and Plan C) is generally available only if you were Medicare-eligible before 2020. Newer enrollees typically choose between Plan G, Plan N, or High-Deductible G.
Do Medicare Supplement plans cover foreign travel emergencies?
Some plans (like G and N) include limited foreign travel emergency benefits. Review the specific dollar limits and lifetime caps in your policy.
